Calls for more dementia support from Government
Published on 22 October 2014 08:00 AM
We are calling for the Welsh Government to set important targets to support older people with dementia as part of the National Dementia Action Plan.
Diagnosis rates are also low in Wales, at just 38.8%, meaning that around 28,000 people in Wales who are living with the dementia have not been diagnosed.
Age Cymru welcomes the Labour-led debate today (October 22) to discuss ‘dementia friendly communities'.
Our Chief Executive, Ian Thomas says;
"Urgent action is needed to improve the experiences of older people with dementia in Wales.
"Age Cymru is concerned that we have not achieved the aspirations set out in the National Dementia Vision for Wales, with many targets set not adopted or monitored.
"We believe that dementia has been subsumed by other health agendas in Wales and would like to see targets met as set out in the Dementia Vision and Dementia Action Plan.
"With the UK Government dementia plan raising the profile within England, Age Cymru believes more can be done to raise awareness within Wales."
Age Cymru is also concerned about the lack of dementia diagnosis, denying people access to support, information and potential treatments that could assist them to live with the condition.
The 'Dementia Friends: Dementia Friendly Communities' debate, will be led by South Wales East AM Lynne Neagle on Wednesday 22 October at the National Assembly for Wales.